Cabbage Romanesco is a strange, exotic-looking plant. Its appearance is associated with something extraterrestrial, mathematically correct and harmonious. However, this culture is bred not only for decoration - despite its unusual appearance, it is tasty and healthy. It is about her that will be discussed in the proposed material.

Variety description Romanesco

Cauliflower Romanesco is an annual plant belonging to the Cruciferous family. It grows up to one meter. On the stem is a dense rosette, where 10-12 large leaves are arranged in the form of a herringbone of a saturated color gamut - from dark green to bluish. The inflorescence-head, which is formed on the top of the erect stem, is used as food.

Romanesco tastes like sea kale, but without bitterness and pungent odors. It is sweeter and has a characteristic nut-plum hue.

Grade characteristics

The variety is characterized by a high content of dietary fiber, which positively affects the human body, and is also characterized by a large number of vitamins and minerals.The nutritional value of raw Romanesco (per 100 g):

Minerals, as well as micro and macro elements in 100 g of product:

The total calorie content of 100 g of the product is 30 kcal.

Variety Breeding

There are several versions of the appearance of the Romanesco cabbage variety. According to the generally accepted theory - this is a hybrid, the result of crossing cauliflower and broccoli. It was created in the 1990s. in Italy and then perfected in the Netherlands.

Did you know? There is an assumption that this vegetable was known to the ancient Etruscans who brought it to the Italian region of Tuscany. Hence the name - romanesko, which means "Roman".

Other names for this vegetable are coral cabbage and Romanesque broccoli.

Description of the fetus

The fruit is a pyramidal fractal inflorescence-head, where any smaller part (pyramid) has exactly the same form as the large one. Small inflorescences are buds wrapped in a circle, densely collected in spiral pyramids of the correct geometric shape. The color of the inflorescences is mostly lime with a yellowish tinge.

The size and weight of a head of cabbage depends on the norms of care: it usually weighs no more than half a kilogram, however there are some varieties of cauliflower belonging to the Romanesco variety, which have a much larger head of cabbage than others.

Benefit and harm

• The indisputable beneficial properties of a vegetable include:
• Vision improvement. Vitamin A, contained in large quantities in inflorescences, prevents the degeneration of the macula, the site of the greatest visual acuity in the human retina.
• Reducing the risk of cancer. The antioxidant ascorbic acid, which is rich in cabbage, is an effective tool in the fight against cancer.
• Stimulation of blood circulation. The iron contained in the product promotes the production of red blood cells, the main function of which is to ensure the normal supply of oxygen to organs and tissues of the body.
• Speeding up brain functioning. Better blood circulation allows brain cells to receive more oxygen, which in turn makes them more active and reduces the response time of neurons.
• Destruction of infections. Most of the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that the product is rich in are also protectors against harmful microorganisms.
• Beneficial effect on the digestive system. The dietary fiber that is part of Romanesco performs the main function in the activity of the digestive system and the removal of toxins from the human body.
• Lower cholesterol and sugar. Fiber product has a beneficial effect on the normalization of cholesterol and sugar.
• Strengthening the heart. Vitamin K, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and B vitamins contained in the product provide the heart with all the substances it needs.
• Protection against free radicals. This is due to fiber and antioxidants.

At the same time, the use of Romanesco can be harmful in certain cases.

• This applies to the following people:
• With cardiological ailments in a state of exacerbation and ailments of the thyroid gland. The increased functioning of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems will unnecessarily load them, which, in turn, will only aggravate the condition of inflamed organs.
• With a tendency to excessive flatulence. The use of raw cabbage is generally contraindicated for them.
• With a predisposition to diarrhea. In such cases, cabbage is introduced with great care.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

• Speaking about the benefits of coral cabbage, it should be noted:
• The uniqueness of the composition, allowing to support the body in various painful conditions.
• Low calorie product and at the same time its increased nutritional value.
• Easy cooking.
• Delicacy of taste, without bitterness; lack of hard fibers.
• Attractive appearance and the ability to use in the exterior decor.

• But the main disadvantages of Roman cabbage are:
• The whimsical care and the need for strict implementation of all the rules of cultivation, which greatly complicates its cultivation.
• The short shelf life of fresh cabbage is no more than a week in the refrigerator.

Growing Features

Cultivation of Romanesco, unlike other varieties, is more complex. This is due to the fact that Roman cabbage is extremely sensitive to soil composition, changes in temperature and humidity. Even a slight deviation from the rules of agricultural technology can have the most adverse consequences.

Optimum seeding time for seedlings

For summer consumption of cabbage, sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in the last third of March, but no later than the beginning of April. If for any reason this deadline has been missed, then you can purchase ready-made seedlings.

Growing seedlings

In the southern, warm regions, Roman cabbage is grown in a non-seedling way, i.e. directly by seeds in the ground. But in most regions, Roman cabbage is grown by seedlings, i.e., at first the young plant is grown in protected soil, and then, somewhat stronger, is transplanted into open ground, in beds.

Seed preparation

For garden cultivation with subsequent use in home cooking, the following varieties of Roman cabbage are recommended:

1. Veronica F1 is a medium-ripening variety, headed up to 2 kg.
2. Puntoverde F1 is a medium-ripening variety, headed up to 1.5 kg.
3. The pearl is medium-late, heading up to 0.8 kg.
4. Emerald cup - medium early, head up to 0.5 kg.

Puntoverde F1 and Veronika F1 are distinguished by excellent productivity: from 1 m² to 3-4 kg of product. At the Pearl - from 1 m² 2.5 kg and at the Emerald Cup - 2.2 kg from 1 m² of beds.

Next, prepare the seeds for planting, adhering to the rule: you need to sow, planting together one large seed and one or two small ones.

Having selected the seeds necessary in quantity and size, before planting, they need to be decontaminated by keeping them for 2–3 hours in a light solution of potassium permanganate, as well as disinfecting the containers for sowing.

Preparation of soil for seedlings

When sowing through seedlings, the soil is prepared in advance. This can be soil purchased in a specialized retail network, or a self-prepared substrate: mixed peat, turf land, sand and humus in equal proportions.

The procedure for preparing the soil is as follows:

1. If the substrate is prepared on its own, then it should be disinfected - 7 days before planting seeds, treat with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.
2. Suitable containers are selected - cups with a volume of at least 250 ml or peat pots of similar volume - and a drainage layer is formed at the bottom of the containers in 1–1.5 cm, onto which the soil mixture is then poured.

Sowing seeds

Seeds are planted in one box and then dive into cups, or immediately placed in cups (peat pots). Landing is carried out to a depth of not more than 1 cm and is well watered.

Seedling Care

During the first week (before the emergence of the shoots), the containers with crops are kept at room temperature, but as soon as the smallest shoots appear, the temperature must be lowered to + 8 ... + 10 ° С in the daytime and + 6 ... + 8 ° С - at night while providing maximum illumination.

After 3-4 days, the daytime temperature rises to + 16 ... + 18 ° С (at night - no warmer than + 10 ° С). This mode should be maintained until the seedlings are transplanted into the ground. The main thing in caring for seedlings is to prevent significant temperature and light fluctuations.Watering and fertilizers are moderate, with a light solution of potassium permanganate, which will perform the function of moisturizing and nourishing.

Preparation of soil for planting seedlings

When planting seedlings directly in the garden, you need to correctly select and prepare the site for planting.

Therefore, certain requirements are put forward to the place of future cultivation of Roman cabbage, namely:

1. Good light.
2. The soil must be alkaline or slightly alkaline.
3. It is highly desirable that potatoes, tomatoes, onions or cucumbers were previously cultivated in a place chosen for Roman cabbage.
4. In the fall, a place for planting Roman cabbage should be dug up and fertilized (1 m² - a handful of wood ash).
5. On the eve of planting, it is recommended to fertilize the soil with lime, wood ash or dolomite flour - this will contribute to the normal growth of the plant and its resistance to disease.

Important! Undesirable predecessors of Romanesco on the site are other garden cruciferous crops, such as turnip, radish, radish, lettuce, cabbage, rutabaga.

Planting seedlings in the ground

Planting in open ground is carried out after 50-60 days from the day of planting the seeds, but not earlier than when the ambient temperature is at least + 12 ° C and the risk of night frost returning disappears.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. In the designated places, a scoop digs holes slightly larger than the containers with seedlings, and with a distance of half a meter from one another.
2. Fertilizer is introduced into the wells - from a half-glass to a glass of ash, which is thoroughly mixed with the ground.
3. Each hole is plentifully watered with warm water until the formation of “dirt”, where seedlings are planted. If it was grown in a peat pot, it is planted with it, if in a different container, it is necessary to carefully remove the sprout from it and plant it in a prepared place without damaging the root system.
4. Planting is done to a minimum depth - so that the cotyledon leaves remain on top of the soil.
5. Once again, watering and light mulching of the soil with bulk material is performed.

Plant care

The rules for caring for coral cabbage are generally the same as for ordinary garden crops, but require strict implementation.

Watering and feeding

Romanesco does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, so watering should be regular and sufficient, but moderate. Ideally - the use of a drip irrigation system.

If not, you must adhere to the following watering rules:

1. In the initial stage of growth - twice a week.
2. Further watering is weekly.
3. Water consumption: at first 1 m² of beds - a bucket of water, with the growth of bushes - more (determined experimentally).
4. The water temperature does not matter much: you can use both warm and cold.
5. It is better to water under the root. Headset - only at the root.

Did you know? The most common color for cauliflower is white, but there are also green, violet, orange, brown and yellow cauliflower.

Soil loosening

This procedure is done after watering or rain, until the leaves have closed between neighboring plants. Loosening is carried out together with weeding. It is also useful at this time and hilling with the introduction of wood ash into the ground.

Pests and diseases

Romanesco cabbage is subject to the same ailments and attacks of the same harmful insects as ordinary cauliflower.

Diseases:

1. Mucosal bacteriosis or "wet bacterial rot." Signs of damage: watery spots on leaves and flowers that quickly grow and rot. Preventive measures: disinfection of seeds before planting by incubation for 2-3 hours in a light solution of potassium permanganate, as well as disinfection of containers for sowing. Methods of treatment: removal of spots that have arisen with a sharp knife, if it does not help, removal of the affected bush from the garden with its subsequent burning.
2. Blackleg. The disease occurs at the stage of growing seedlings. Signs of defeat: blackening of the base of the stem and the subsequent appearance on it of a brown hue. Preventive measures: proper watering, excluding waterlogging of the soil, disinfection of the soil. Methods of treatment: disinfection, steaming and soil replacement; treatment of the plant and substrate with preparations of the sulfur group.
3. Mosaic. Viral infection. Signs of damage: the appearance on the leaves of randomly arranged veins of a yellowish tint. Preventive measures: timely destruction of weeds and harmful insects on the bed. Methods of treatment: treatment of the plant with Bordeaux liquid, if it does not help, removal of the affected bush from the garden with subsequent burning.

Important! Mint, celery or dill planted next to Romanesco will help in the fight against harmful insects.

Pests:

1. Cabbage aphid. Signs of damage: slow growth of the plant; loss of leaves of their normal color, the acquisition of a pink hue; phased twisting and death of leaves. Prevention: regular watering. Fight: treatment with insecticidal preparations such as "Karbofos", "Spark", "Karate".
2. Cruciferous fleas. Signs of damage: sores on the upper layers of the leaves. Fight: soap solution treatment; composition of road dust and wood ash; the use of drugs "Karbofos", "Actara".

Harvesting and storage

A signal to start harvesting is formed large heads of cabbage. The collection must begin immediately, because the ripening heads of cabbage will quickly deteriorate - the flesh will become coarser, useful substances will for the most part disappear.

Romanesco must be harvested early in the morning in dry weather - before the sun has time to heat the entire plant.

Heads are cut with a sharpened knife; the stems adjacent to it are cut off along with the head - they can also be eaten.

Storage Romanesco due to the characteristics of the variety is problematic - fresh in the refrigerator it will stop for no more than 7 days. For long-term storage, only freezing is suitable. For this, the cabbage is blanched a little, then cut into pieces of the desired size, which are frozen. The valuable properties of frozen Romanesque broccoli preserves.

Cooking features

The peculiarity of cooking coral cabbage is that it can replace broccoli or cauliflower in almost any cooking recipe. Roman cabbage will be good with stewed vegetables or pasta.You will also get a harmonious combination with cheese; It can also be used as a wonderful ingredient in pizza.

Important! The most delicious Roman cabbage is the one that is eaten on the day of cutting.

Cabbage is perfectly stewed, fried, grilled, steamed, or boiled. At the same time, it is recommended to cook no more than 10 minutes, and a couple even less - 5-7 minutes.In addition, there are recipes for preparing coral cabbage for the winter, including how to salt, pickle, and preserve it.

To minimize some of the possible risks from using Romanesco, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. Exclude the combination of Roman cabbage with legumes. Such a compound can provoke increased flatulence and even painful gas formation.
2. It is not recommended to cook Romanesco with fatty meat or mushrooms - this can cause digestive problems, which in people with digestive tract ailments can even go into intestinal obstruction.

Cabbage Romanesco is an elegant, outwardly mysterious plant. It is more valuable and useful than ordinary cauliflower, but, at the same time, more capricious. However, strict observance of all the norms and rules of agricultural technology will allow to grow this valuable product without loss, which will significantly complement and diversify the diet.

Watch the video: Trimming and preparing Romanesco (November 2024).